Mediterranean Dishes

Lentil cottage cheese curry

Lentil Cottage Cheese Curry

This curry features soft lentils simmered with warm Indian spices and enriched with chunks of cottage cheese (paneer), creating a filling, nutritious, and balanced vegetarian meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

1/2 cup split red lentils (masoor dal) or yellow lentils (moong dal)

1 1/2 cups water

1 cup cottage cheese (paneer), cubed

1 tbsp oil or ghee

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

1 medium tomato, finely chopped

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp garam masala

1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)

Salt to taste

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook Lentils:Rinse lentils well. In a pot, combine with water and a pinch of turmeric. Simmer until soft (15–20 min), or pressure cook for 2 whistles.

2. Make the Masala Base:In a pan, heat oil/ghee. Add cumin seeds. Once they sizzle, saute onions until golden.Add ginger-garlic paste and cook 1 min. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft. Stir in turmeric, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, and salt.

3. Add Lentils & Paneer:Pour cooked lentils into the masala. Mix well and simmer 5 minutes. Gently stir in paneer cubes and cook for 3–5 minutes more.

4. Serve:Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot with roti, naan, rice, or quinoa.